Historical Carpets

Overview

Nestled in the heart of Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, the Turkmen Carpet Museum stands as a vibrant tribute to the nation's profound carpet-weaving heritage. Established by presidential decree in 1993, and officially opening in 1994, its primary mission is to preserve, revive, and creatively develop the age-old tradition of Turkmen carpet weaving.

This national museum is renowned for housing the largest collection of Turkmen carpets anywhere in the world, with thousands of handwoven rugs spanning centuries. Its expansive collection includes historical pieces dating from medieval times through the 20th century, with a significant number, over 1000, originating from the 18th and 19th centuries. The museum occupies a vast area, incorporating exhibition halls, production areas, and dedicated scientific departments responsible for the meticulous restoration and study of these invaluable textiles.

History & Cultural Background

The art of carpet weaving in Turkmenistan boasts an incredibly deep history, with archaeological findings revealing loom equipment from the 4th to 3rd centuries BC and bronze carpet knives from the 2nd century BC, indicating the ancient roots of this craft. The international recognition of Turkmen carpets dates back to the 13th century, when the famed traveler Marco Polo lauded them as 'the most delicate and beautiful in the world'.

More than mere floor coverings, Turkmen carpets are a powerful national symbol, a cornerstone of the Turkmen people's culture, and a profound repository of tribal identity. In 2019, the traditional Turkmen carpet making art was proudly inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, underscoring its global cultural significance. Historically, these carpets were crafted by nomadic tribes using natural materials like local wool and vegetable dyes, and their distinctive geometric designs, known as 'guls', served as tribal emblems. Each major Turkmen tribe—including the Tekke, Yomut, Ersari, Saryk, Salor, and Chovdur—possesses its own characteristic gul, akin to a family crest.

These hand-knotted treasures served various purposes beyond decoration, acting as tent furnishings, door hangings, bags, and essential items for ceremonies such as births, weddings, and prayers. So deeply ingrained is this tradition that Turkmenistan annually observes Carpet Day, a national holiday celebrating this cherished cultural symbol. The nation's flag and emblem proudly display five primary carpet guls, symbolizing the unity and enduring friendship of the Turkmen people.

What Makes It Special

The historical carpets section of the Turkmen Carpet Museum is particularly remarkable for its collection of antique pieces, primarily from the 17th to 19th centuries. Among its most awe-inspiring exhibits is the world's largest hand-woven carpet, measuring an astounding 301 square meters (14 by 21.2 meters). This monumental creation, woven in 2001 to commemorate ten years of Turkmenistan's independence, holds a Guinness World Record. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the museum also proudly displays one of the world's smallest hand-woven carpets, a tiny keychain measuring just 0.01 square meters.

The museum's scientific departments play a crucial role, diligently restoring and researching the historical and artistic value of these ancient textiles. Visitors can marvel at the intricate 'guls' and other motifs, which are not merely decorative but act as an ancient nomadic language, encoding meanings such as the sun, moon, stars, the wheel of fate, and even abstract 'Tree of Life' structures symbolizing the connection between earth and heaven.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

A cherished Turkmen proverb eloquently states: 'Water is the life, a horse is the wings, and a carpet is the soul of the Turkmens.' This speaks volumes about the profound cultural significance of these woven masterpieces. It's fascinating to learn that even Italian Renaissance artists were captivated by the craftsmanship of Turkmen carpets, depicting fragments of them in their paintings.

Among the museum's unique treasures is a colossal Tekke carpet, weighing a tonne and measuring 193 square meters, which was meticulously crafted by some 40 weavers in 1941 to serve as a curtain for Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre. A more contemporary large carpet, made in 1968, impressively represents all the tribes of Turkmenistan, harmoniously blending their distinct styles to symbolize national unity. The museum also showcases some rare two-sided carpets, each side featuring a different design or color. When considering taking a piece of this art home, it's important to note that Turkmenistan has strict regulations: carpets older than 30 years or those deemed of historical value generally face restrictions on export.

Visitor Perspective

A visit to the Historical Carpets section offers a deep cultural immersion. Guests can delve into the rich history of local rugs, uncover their distinctive qualities, and learn to decipher the intricate patterns that tell stories of tribal identity and ancient beliefs. English and Russian-speaking guides are available to enrich the experience, providing detailed insights into the exhibits. The museum also provides a unique opportunity to witness the craft firsthand, with staff sometimes working on traditional looms within the premises. Before departing, visitors can explore the on-site gift shop to purchase high-quality carpets, with the necessary export documentation issued directly through the Turkmenistan Ministry of Carpets.